Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has revealed he turned down an offer to join FC Barcelona before the start of the 2014/15 season.
The Germany international, who is under contract at the Allianz Arena until the summer of 2018, believes he is already in the right place to win more silverware.
“I don’t know the details of how much Barcelona offered for me, but it is true that I received an offer,” Boateng, 26, told Bild.
“When a club like Barca shows an interest, that is of course a huge honour. At the time I was already preparing for the new season with Bayern.
“These days you don’t have to leave Bayern to join Barcelona if you want to win the Champions League.”
Since joining Bayern from Manchester City for €13.5 million in July 2011, Boateng has won eight trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2012/13, for the Bavarian giants.
Podolski flopping at Internazionale
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has named FC Internazionale Milano forward Lukas Podolski the second-worst signing of the January transfer window behind AC Milan’s Alessio Cerci.
Podolski joined Internazionale on loan from Arsenal in January, but has struggled to settle in an at the San Siro, having failed to find the back of the net in eight Serie A appearances.
“You need to swallow [criticism] in professional football,” Poldi told Sport1. “There is always another direction, meaning a positive one.
“I don’t care for media or people being critical of me. I know that this is part of the business. It’s important to know what you have to be better. The folks always want to see you hit rock bottom.”
Podolski, who has won 121 international caps for Germany, added that spending the entire first-half of the season on the bench at Arsenal has contributed to his current form, or lack thereof.
“I did not have any rhythm. And I had a good start here,” the 29-year-old added. “But what is missing is that one goal. You can’t just hit the switch. I want to score in every game, play well and set up goals.”
Nasri would like to end career in MLS
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has hinted he wants to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Thierry Henry and end his footballing career in Major League Soccer.
The former France international, who penned a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium last year, has tallied two goals and six assists for City this season.
“I would like to play MLS, not go back to France,” said Nasri. “Maybe I would go back to Marseille but it would be too difficult – maybe impossible.
“I would like the MLS, like Thierry Henry. I love the lifestyle in [the] USA and everything about it.”
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